Biblical Hermeneutics: Segment Surveys Lecture

Introduction

• Focus: Segment Surveys (also called Passage Surveys)
  • Aim: To survey a larger passage of scripture (more than a paragraph, less than a book)
  • Relevance: Particularly helpful for sermon series or Bible studies

Segment Survey Process

• Objective: To observe and understand a specific passage beyond individual verses
• Application: Useful for sermon preparation and deeper Bible study
• Assignment Reminder: Upcoming segment survey assignment noted in syllabus

Elements of Segment Survey

1. General Material Observation

   • Read the passage multiple times
   • Determine the genre (e.g., letter, historical narrative, law, apocalyptic)
   • Identify the target audience and context
   • Understand the surrounding context of the chosen passage

2. Blocks and Titles

   • Break down the passage into sections (blocks)
   • Assign simple titles to each block to capture the essence
   • Helps in organizing sermon series or Bible study lessons

3. Structural Relationships

   • Identify primary and secondary structures
   • Primary structure: Covers at least over half of the passage
   • Types of structures: Contrast, preparation, etc.

4. Questioning

   • Ask questions for definition and implications based on structures
   • Specificity is key in identifying comparisons, contrasts, etc.

5. Identifying Strategic Areas

   • Find key areas in the passage that are essential for understanding
   • Focus on areas indicated by structural relationships

6. Overall Observations

   • Make general observations of the passage
   • Note strategic points for potential sermon focus

Example: Gospel of Mark 1:1-15

• Reading: Mark 1:1-15

  • Opening (Mark 1:1)
  • John Preparing the Way (Mark 1:2-8)
  • Baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11)
  • Jesus in the Wilderness (Mark 1:12-13)
  • Jesus’ Ministry Begins (Mark 1:14-15)

• Structural Relationships Observed:

  • Climax: Building towards a major event (Jesus' ministry)
  • Preparation: Setting the stage for Jesus' acts
  • Inclusio: Bracketing with the term "Son of God"
  • Contrast: John’s decreasing ministry vs. Jesus’ increasing ministry
  • Particularization: Detailed unfolding of the general statement in Mark 1:1

• Strategic Areas:

  • Verses 14-15: Transition from John's ministry to Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom
  • Verse 7: John’s announcement of someone greater

Application and Next Steps

• Assignment: Read and survey Mark 2:1 to 3:6 for practice
• Encouragement: Try identifying structural relationships and strategic areas
• Future Sessions: Further exploration of detailed observations and use of extra-biblical sources

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Key Takeaways

• Segment surveys help to observe a passage holistically
• Identifying structural relationships aids in understanding deeper connections and meanings
• Strategic areas guide sermon or lesson planning, focusing on pivotal points in the text

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